"Geocaching is a relatively new form of recreation that is
described by the Minnesota DNR as an outdoor activity
combining hiking and exploring while using a hand-held
Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate either virtual or
actual treasure caches. To support geocaching activities,
the GPS coordinates of caches are provided and participants
use their GPS device to navigate to the location. Caches
should be waterproof containers (i.e., weather resistant)
such as sealed bottles or canisters and may contain a trinket
or other small item as well as a logbook to record the visit.
Visitors to the cache may remove and replace items within
the cache and can post their finds and share experiences
online (e.g., www.geocaching.com). There are additional rules related to geocaching, including
complying with applicable laws, including private property rights. The MN DNR allows
geocaching in state parks and requires that caches are placed in locations that do not negatively
impact natural or cultural resources, visitor safety or other outdoor recreational uses.
Geocaching does not need to be a trail-based activity. Caches may be located along roadways,
trails or waterways so that they are accessible by car, kayak or canoe, ATV, hiking or on a
snowmobile.
Considerations regarding geocaching:
 Caches can be placed along trails or in areas to draw people
 Can place caches so they are accessible by car, kayak, ATV, etc.
 May need a permitting system and rules to govern caches on county lands
 Geocaching participants may prefer to see cache sites in groups (e.g., more than one in an
area)
 Cache sites can be linked to geologic, historic and other locations of interest
 Could create a link to businesses but caches should be non-commercial
 Could have brochures, coupons, etc in cache
 County could open an online account to manage and register caches

Action Step Recommendations:
 Develop guidelines and online registry process for caches located on county-managed
lands
 Identify opportunities to collaborate with local communities and geocaching interests to enhance geocaching opportunities in the county"

It would seem to me that what is necessary is to illustrate to them that an online registry process already exists, and that really the only thing they need to do is work with the reviewers in illustrating what areas they don't want caches in. He marks those areas on a map that makes it easy to not publish any cache placed in said area, everyone is happy and they can move on to Action Point 2... the key is to show them it is a waste of their time and more importantly money and resources to try to do it themselves when a well established system will do it for them for free. On top of which if they want to "keep tabs" on that process they can get a free premium membership from Groundspeak to see published caches at any point. (and yes the President of the MnGCA has a copy of this PDF I found)
[/b]

News guys know how to dig amidst the BS. I searched geocaching and found nothing.

News guys know how to dig amidst the BS. I searched geocaching and found nothing.

I won't lie, this one took me a while to find, I can already recommend what they can do with the extra time and money savings by not creating a extra layer of bureaucracy... work on their website design... it was not very user friendly to find stuff!

I hope this is something that they can realize that they can rely on gc.com to be their "registration" and not have to go through all that and then change it back like Eden Prairie is doing. MN Fruitcake impressed the heck out of EP with the capability to track and appropriately approve. Good luck team!

Maybe we can work some of our magic up in Aitkin. I have caches up there and was actually going to place one in a county park this last weekend until this happened. Since I've cleared out Aitkin I figure I might as well place them. Hopefully, we can make contact and use the right wording to make this go away.

um, lets' see. On Saturday I was in 6 or 7 counties throughout the day. I didn't really need gas yet, but I got it in Mille Lacs County. Grabbed a snack and pop in Crow Wing County. Ate a late lunch in Kanabec County.